Nicholas Hytner is to direct the World Premiere of Alan Bennett's new play Allejujah! for the London Theatre Company at the Bridge Theatre in July 2018.

Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner. Photo: Antony Crolla

The World Premiere of Allejujah! will be the tenth collaboration between Bennett and Hytner. Previous collaborations include Bennett's adaptation of The Wind In The Willows, The Madness Of King George III, The Lady In The Van and The History Boys, all of which were adapted for the silver screen, The Habit Of Art, People and the double bill Untold Stories.

The Beth, an old fashioned cradle-to-grave hospital serving a town on the edge of the Pennines, is threatened with closure as part of an NHS efficiency drive. Meanwhile, a documentary crew eager to capture its fight for survival follows the daily struggle to find beds on the Dusty Springfield Geriatric Ward, and the triumphs of the old people’s choir (newest member: the Pudsey Nightingale).  Alan Bennett’s new play is as sharp as The History Boys and as funny as The Lady in the Van.

Allejujah! will be designed by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Chivers and music by George Fenton with casting to be announced shortly.

Allejujah! previews at the Bridge Theatre from 11 July 2018 and running to 28 September 2018. Tickets are on sale on 2 March 2018.

BOOK TICKETS FOR ALLEJUJAH!